Trainee teachers receive Primary Science Enhancement Award

Congratulations to four trainee teachers studying our Primary Education (5–11 years) BA(Hons) with QTS  who recently received the Primary Science Enhancement Award for Initial Teacher Education.

The Primary Science Teaching Trust has developed the Primary Science Enhancement Award (PSEA) scheme for Initial Teacher Education (ITE). The scheme, now in its second consecutive year, is supported by the Association for Science Education, the Primary Science Quality Mark, and The Ogden Trust.

The PSEA enables trainee teachers to increase their experience and understanding of teaching and learning in primary science. The scheme draws on the rationale, processes, and resources developed by the Primary Science Teaching Trust, the Primary Science Quality Mark, and by Stranmillis University College in Belfast.

It supports trainee teachers to develop additional reflective practice development in primary science during the initial teacher education phase. After receiving the PSEA, student teachers are able to start their careers with increased competence and confidence when teaching science. They are equipped with the skills which will enable them to take up future school leadership positions in science.

“The PSEA has really built my confidence in teaching science by allowing me to reflect closely on my science subject and pedagogical knowledge. I am now aware of a wide range of resources to use to support both the teaching and learning of science as well as how taking learning outside the classroom can have a positive influence of children’s progress and engagement” Lauren Jeanes, Primary trainee.

“Engaging in the Primary Science Enhancement Award has been a fantastic opportunity for our primary science subject study trainees to further develop ideas and pedagogical approaches explored in university based modules and apply these to their practice in school. Trainees participating in the award shared that they felt more confident, taught more science than they would otherwise have done and were able to share new ideas and resources with our partner schools” Jess Baines-Holmes, module tutor